Preparing images for digital printing
To prepare your finished file for printing , please be sure it is set up as follows:
RGB
8 bit
TIFF
No compression, layers or extra channels
100% size @ 300 dpi
ICC profile

Note: If your image has borders, please put a one pixel stroke around your print in a contrasting color. We use this trick to tell the images apart when trimming them off the roll.
Example:
>Select
>All, then
> Edit
>Stroke
In the Stroke box: Width:1 px
Color: With white borders, choose black
Location: Center
Blending: Normal
Opacity: 100%
Note: Always add borders after you have applied the ICC profiles or the borders will have a color cast.

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Image size vs. Print Quality

The quality of your image is dependent upon how it was produced. This means the color, depth, noise and focus of the image.

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Changing image size or resolution in Photoshop

Go to: >Image >Image size You will see this box. You can change the pixel dimensions or the size in inches. You can also change the resolution here. If You want the image to remain the same dimensions but only change the resolution, be sure that the Constrain Proportions and Resample Image boxes are checked. Click OK. Note: It is always best to go down in resolution rather than up. If your image has a low resolution and you want it to be higher, it is better to submit it to us as is. The quality that the Chromira interpolates to a higher resolution is better than Photoshop.

To change the document size up from a low resolution, change the dimensions in the Document Size and uncheck the Resample Image box to keep the same file size. Use this method when using the Chromira to interpolate up in resolution.

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Monitor Calibration
To see if your monitor matches our Chromira Printer output we suggest you have a test print done. Use a print that best represents the type of work you usually do. Use the test print to compare to your file as seen on your monitor. Then make any adjustments necessary using calibration software or the Adobe Gamma Utility in Photoshop. For more information on monitor calibration check the help contents in your Photoshop program.

Inexpensive ($250 or less) calibration packages, such as GretagMacbeth EyeOne Display, make this calibration simple and do an even better job than the software-only approach as described above

It is a good idea to make your computer desktop a neutral gray so your eyes aren't distracted and fooled by other colors. Try to keep ambient light from striking the monitor face. Use a monitor hood or direct the light away from the monitor if possible. Some people actually work in a darkened room for this reason.

Open your file in Photoshop. Go to: >File >Save As Under "Save:" Check the box "As a Copy". Under "Color:" You can either check the box or leave it blank depending on if you want to embed the current profile or not. Under "Name:" Name your file. Click "Save".

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Saving as a TIFF file in Photoshop

Open your file in Photoshop. Go to: >File >Save As Under "Format" select TIFF. Under "Name" name your file. Click "Save". More....

Now you see this dialog box. Select your preferred byte order. PC computers generally cannot open Mac files with out special software. However, Macs can open either. The Lab can accept either byte order. * Our Chromira currently does not accept TIFF files with LZW compression, therefore be sure to uncheck the LZW Compression box.

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Converting files to RGB using Photoshop

With your file open, select: >Image >Mode >RGB color

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Preparing Files for Digital Film Output

We produce high resolution color slides, negatives and transparencies up to 4 X 5 from TIFF files in both Mac and PC compatible formats. Files must be 8 bit RGB with no compression, no extra channels or layers. Please provide a proof print if color matching is critical.

The specs in the table below represent the sizes you need to make your files in order to fit in the desired formats. It is best to use the 4k or 8k file sizes and dimensions for best quality.

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